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Ministries at Emanuel
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The Friday Night ProgramOnce upon a time there was a church that sat in the middle of a neighborhood . . . Emanuel's outreach to the surrounding neighborhood began approximately 18 years ago. The doors were opened on a Friday evening so long ago and the children came. Today the children are still coming to the Friday Night Program held in Emanuel's gym/auditorium.
Volunteers arrive at 4:00 p.m. and soon the children - kindergarten to 8th grade - are doing crafts, playing board games, doing an activity in the kitchen and playing basketball; which continues to be the big draw to the program. At 6:00 p.m. the younger children leave and the gym remains open for "basketball only" for high school and older young men and women. The program closes at 9:00 p.m. Between the two sessions approximately 60 young people are involved with the program.
Emanuel has been a strong presence in its neighborhood. Some of the children have become a part of Emanuel's Sunday School and Confirmation classes. Families have joined the Church to become part of our worshipping family. This strong presence is recognized when our young neighbors return as young adults with their own children and are happy to see that our doors are still open on Fridays.
Many ongoing ministries have developed from this program. Our Book Ministry is supported by Emanuel members who donate gently used children's books. The books are given to the neighborhood children to read and enjoy. Our Back-to-School Ministry has been going on for eight years. Education is important and Emanuel members have been supporting this ministry by giving school supplies to the children. It gives the children a wonderful start at the beginning of each school year. Because education is so important to these young people, Emanuel began a college/post high school scholarship program. Though still in its growing stage, this program encourages our neighborhood young men and women in our program to consider furthering their education.
Volunteers are always welcome on Fridays -- The greatest need for volunteers is the 4:00 - 6:00 pm session. There are a few requirements: love for children, an urge to get involved, patience, energy and a smile. Additional information is available by calling the church office (860-525-0894).
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
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The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets Thursdays between 9:30am and noon in the Parish Building. You are welcome to come when you are able for just a few minutes or the whole time, whatever fits your schedule. For further information, call the church office at 525-0894.
More than 115 shawls have been given since our ministry started in 2004 , inspired by the ministry begun in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.
"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to
fly above their troubles."
Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow 2008
You'll find inspiration as well as instruction and information on the website for the Shawl Ministry. Please see the link below.
click here for Shawl Ministry Website |
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